Barbarians edge out Argentina 38-35 in Killik Cup game at Twickenham

by Frank Nickson Sunday 2 December 2018

Siya Kolisi was one of the try-scorer for Barbarians

©PA

Barbarians 38-35 Argentina, Twickenham

Barbarians came up with a dominating second half performance to come from behind and defeat Argentina 38-35 in the Killik Cup game clash

This also means that the Pumas end the November series without a victory as Wyatt Crockett's side coached by Rassie Erasmus sealed a three-point thriller.

Barbarians got off to a terrific start when a combination of Siya Kolisi and Schalk Brits sent Juan Manuel Leguizamon over the line against his former side. A conversion from Handre Pollard made the scoreline 7-0.

The next 16 minutes though was domination from Argentina when Matias Orlando went past Pollard to score their opening try in the ninth minute following which Ramiro Moyano Joya collected a grubber kick Joaquin Diaz Bonilla to cross over in the 16th minute.

There was no respite whatsoever for the Baa Baas as further tries from Pablo Matera and Sebastian Cancelliere in the 19th and 24th minute further stretched their deficit. Diaz Bonilla kicked all the four conversions as the scoreline became 7-28.

As the half-time was approaching, Barbarians were handed a lifeline with a penalty try after Argentina were found guilty of collapsing a maul in the 34th minute as the teams went into the break with a 14-28 score.

Barbarians showed better intent in the second half with Springboks captain Siya Kolisi going over the line in the 47th minute but it was cancelled out by Julian Montoya's try in the 55th minute as Argentina maintained their 14 point lead.

Nevertheless, Erasmus' side responded when Damian de Allende strolled over the line in the 57th minute and a conversion from Elton Jantjies reduced the gap to nine points. The scoring through dried up and it was only in the 75th minute when Lood de Jager scored a try that was improved by Jantjies with the gap between the two teams coming down to two points.

As the full time was approaching Jantjies kicked a drop goal in the 79th minute to complete a three-point victory for Barbarians.